The tornado can be expected 13 minutes before training

NOAA (US Agency for Oceans and Atmosphere) explains that an alert is usually given 13 minutes before a tornado. In the case of the tornado that struck Oklahoma City, the alert was given 16 minutes before impact.

It is also possible for the authorities to predict a possible tornado but without certainty.

But how do you predict the arrival of a tornado? As Futura science explains, meteorological services use radars, including Doppler radars.

With this tool, it is possible to detect thunderstorms and air flows and thus predict the occurrence of a tornado. But we are in the deduction, without absolute certainty (a bit like the weather forecast).

For more precision, the formation of a tornado can be observed with the naked eye, through the formation of a “cloudy funnel”.

If this funnel, which seems to come down from the clouds, touches the ground, it is the birth of a tornado. But the delay between the creation of this funnel and the appearance of the tornado is very short.

Meeting of hot air and cold air

How is such a “funnel” formed? This requires that a hot air mass (often from the sea) meets a cold air mass. This encounter generally forms a commonplace storm, but sometimes the two air masses roll up vertically, creating the famous “cloudy funnel”.

Countries most affected by tornadoes:

Although tornadoes are forming everywhere (except in Antarctica), some areas are more sensitive than others, as recalled by NOAA, especially for countries located at certain latitudes.

We see that if the United States is the first concerned with 1000 tornadoes a year, they are not the only ones. Thus, in proportion to the size of the territory, it is the United Kingdom which has to bear the most tornados (but relatively weak).

In the United States, the region around Oklahoma City is particularly affected by tornadoes. So much so that he was given a name: “Tornado Alley“, the tornado alley. In Florida, these are the two regions with the most tornadoes.

Safety instructions after passing a tornado

After a tornado, you can still be in danger. Follow these tips to make sure you and your family are safe.

Get out of any building that smells of gas or chemical vapors, or where the damage is severe, as it may collapse after the tornado.

Use the phone only for emergency calls.

Turn on the television or the radio to see the evolution of the situation.

Clean up spills of drugs, bleaches and flammable liquids immediately.

Watch your pets. Stress can cause them to become aggressive. Confine the dogs for several hours where they feel safe, like in a kennel or a crate.

Natural disasters can be scary events. Being prepared in advance is the best way to ensure that you and your family will be safe from tornadoes. This simple guide will help you prepare for the best so no one is hurt.